Community Service

VBSPCA Veterinary Volunteer and Consultant

The Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VBSPCA) was founded in 1966 with the mission to create a more humane and responsible community by decreasing tolerance for cruelty while increasing capacity for compassion.

Dr Rowan volunteers one afternoon each week to work with VBSPCA new arrivals as well as older, sick, injured animals. Animals with range of motion and behavioral issues also benefit from Dr. Rowan’s treatment. He performs chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy on dogs, cats and other animals at the shelter. Dr Rowan also consults with the clinic staff on difficult illness and injury cases.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for homeless animals. It’s such a pleasure to adjust a dog or cat and watch them visibly relax and feel comfortable after an adjustment and laser therapy. For some of these animals it may be the first real comfort they’ve felt in years.”

Dr. Rowan

From SPCA:

“I met Paul Rowan 22 years ago when he was a very active Board member of the VA Beach SPCA. Not only is he among the ³smartest² veterinarians I have known over those two decades, he is among the most compassionate. I have seen Dr. Rowan diagnose an animal that had puzzled other vets and then propose a treatment that actually alleviated the condition. He has been a stalwart supporter of the animals at the VA Beach SPCA and has returned to us each week to provide his “laser magic² which is what our staff call it. Shelter animals sometimes have a congenital condition or an old injury which was not treated properly and they all benefit from Dr. Rowan’s magic. His treatment not only reduce their discomfort but provide that little extra time and attention that shelter animals need. His visits also provide our staff with a chance to assist him and learn from him, that is an additional benefit.

Dr. Rowan is a gem both in this community and at the VA Beach SPCA. We are so grateful for his years of dedication to us and to the animals.”

Sharon Q. Adams, MPA
Executive Director
VA Beach SPCA

Virginia Beach Animal Control Advisory Board
Board Member

The Virginia Beach Animal Control Advisory Board is comprised of citizens who represent the community, animal welfare groups, the external veterinary community, VBSPCA and Friends of VBACAC.

Dr. Rowan represents the voice of local veterinarians from The South Hampton Roads Veterinary Association including Pungo, Chesapeake, Suffolk and Isle of Wyte counties as well as Northhampton county on the Eastern Shore.

The board meets monthly at the Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center to discuss animal welfare issues for the city of Virginia Beach.